The new Archive Management System (AMS) is an IT-based, database-driven, solution which is typically installed on a user's server and has the ability to automatically index and catalogue all video and associated meta data produced by Netvu Connected devices. Modular in design, the features of the AMS can be tailored to meet individual site requirements.

Looking at the AMS solution in more detail, when operational it supports the searching of any video footage, either locally stored or remotely located on a Video Server or DVR, and also the archiving of new information to a specified location, which can be reviewed through a User Interface. A wide range of storage options are available in conjunction with the AMS and multiple storage locations may be accessed simultaneously. With regards to evidence, there is the potential for archived video footage and meta data to be exported by the AMS as a data file, still image or video file to CD/DVD, external hard drive or flash drive.

When it comes to alarms, those generated by the CCTV systems connected to the AMS can be captured and logged with any associated data such as video footage. It is also possible to set-up rules for the AMS to take action when an alarm is received which could, typically, include: capturing and emailing a still image to the primary contact or even transmitting an emergency message to a building management system.

To assist with site management, as the CCTV systems deployed change over time, the AMS features a dynamic site tree. In practice this means that users can add, amend, re-order and remove devices from the network through an intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface). A powerful 'asset search' feature is also able to quickly find connected devices by location name, IP address or system name. For security it is possible to centrally control access rights for users and an audit trail feature allows all operator activity to be tracked.

A key practical benefit of the Archive Management System (AMS) is the ability to monitor the health status of the devices it is connected to. This can be as a scheduled or manually instructed health check of the whole CCTV infrastructure, which can look out for issues such as drive health and camera fail, or through updates sent by individual DVRs, video servers or cameras when they experience a problem.

Said Pauline Norstrom, Director of Worldwide Marketing at Dedicated Micros: "Our new Archive Management System, which has been shortlisted in the Security Excellence Awards, effectively addresses a capability gap in the marketplace. We see it as being especially beneficial when deployed on large-scale projects so security managers do not have to face the headache of time lost trying to physically track down CCTV footage, or, even worse, find that vital digital video evidence simply cannot be located.

“An added requirement, which we identified early on, is the ability to monitor the health of all network devices so rapid action can be taken to rectify any problems and avoid unwanted gaps in the critical surveillance infrastructure," commented Norstrom.